Name Dropping in Tangipahoa Parish

Written by Nick Gagliano

the world of economic development, it’s okay to name drop, and when it comes to name-dropping in recruiting new businesses to move here or expand here, Tangipahoa Parish Economic Development Director Ginger Cangelosi has an impressive list of names to drop.

“We are proud of the many global, national, regional and local businesses and industries that call Tangipahoa home,” said Cangelosi. “Our two latest companies to have a significant footprint in Tangipahoa Parish are Medline and Niagara Bottling Company.”

Medline recently held the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at their new $72 million dollar, 650,000 square foot distribution center east of the Hammond Regional Airport. Their medical supply distribution center will serve the healthcare community along the I-12, I-10, I-55, and I-49 corridors.

They plan to employ 400 plus full-time and part-time employees as they handle the distribution of tens of thousands of individual products and devices. Medline ships to healthcare providers across the continuum of care, such as hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory surgery centers, hospices and physicians’ offices.

“Medline is an important piece of our economic development plan for Tangipahoa Parish,” said Robby Miller, president of Tangipahoa Parish. “This type of global company makes other companies ask, ‘What makes Tangipahoa Parish special and why did Medline choose to build their distribution center there.’”

Ginger Cangelosi said the reason many companies look to move here and expand here is simple.

“We are here to help them find their way to a 'yes' and lend support as they explore the endless opportunities our parish has to offer.”

Niagara Bottling, one of the nation’s leading beverage manufacturers, is investing $160 million dollars to establish a 600,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art production facility in the Robert area. The company will create 70 plus new direct jobs with an average annual salary of $55,000.

The new, highly-automated facility will contain advanced equipment and technology that will increase production efficiency to allow the company to meet growing demand. Louisiana was chosen over competing states and the Tangipahoa Parish facility will be Niagara’s first location in the state.

“We work hard to grow our advanced manufacturing industry,” Robby Miller said. “We know this project will enhance Tangipahoa’s economic landscape and in turn, benefit everyone in this region.”

Ginger Cangelosi says it is the commitment from our Parish President and every department in the parish to find solutions rather than roadblocks. This is what gives Tangipahoa Parish an advantageous edge in recruiting businesses here.

“Our work with Niagara Bottling Company is an example of our typical approach to bring every arm of parish government to get the job done. Our Tangipahoa Parish Team’s mission is evaluating the needs of a new or expanding business, and then working with them to devise a plan that exceeds their expectations.”

Medline and Niagara Bottling Company are recent additions to the parish’s list of manufacturing and distribution companies such as Elmer’s Candy Company, Intralox, S & W Wholesale Foods, Wal-Mart Distribution, Wayfair Furniture, Ragan & Massey, Southland Structures, Smitty’s Fuels, and many other outstanding companies.

Ginger Cangelosi and her Economic Development Team continue to be a driving force in attracting other industries to Tangipahoa Parish. It is their goal to demonstrate the endless opportunities available by moving to or expanding in Tangipahoa Parish.